Strasburg gains fantasy owners' attention

Stephen Strasburg and his 102-mph fastball are heading to D.C., but will the $15 million man live up to all the hype?

In addition to Washington Nationals' fans, fantasy owners were no doubt salivating over the news that Strasburg agreed to his first major-league deal just before the deadline.

Now the big question: How soon until he reaches the majors and helps fantasy teams?

The Nats might not be in a rush to bring him up, but don't hesitate to grab him in your fantasy leagues if you are allowed to pick up minor leaguers -- especially if you are in a keeper league. At the very least, he could become a valuable trade chip.

If Strasburg can produce the numbers that he did in his final year at San Diego State -- 13-1 record, 1.32 ERA, 195 strikeouts and 19 walks in 109 innings -- he will soon be joining the fantasy elite pitchers like Tim Lincecum, Johan Santana and Roy Halladay with his stat-stuffing potential.

Besides the 100-plus fastball, Strasburg throws a curveball and slider. The fastball certainly sounds sexy, but the real test will be if he can actually get people out in the majors -- heat that moves just at 100 mph leaves the ballpark in a hurry; just ask former major leaguers like Billy Koch and Matt Anderson.

NOT ALL WRIGHT -- The Mets' David Wright might be done for the season, and if he is, it would cap a terrible fantasy campaign for the All-Star third baseman.

Wright, who was hit in the head with a Matt Cain fastball on Saturday, went on the disabled list Sunday and won't be eligible to return until the end of the month at the earliest. His power numbers this season have already been dealt a serious blow, with Wright hitting just a mere eight homers with 55 RBIs in 426 at-bats -- which put him on pace for career lows.

Wright's batting average is a healthy .324 and he has 24 stolen bases, but the power -- he's delivered at least 30 homers and 100-plus RBIs the past two years -- never arrived. Part of the problem is spacious Citi Field, where Wright has five homers and 20 RBIs. He had 21 homers and 65 RBIs at Shea Stadium last year.

DUGOUT CHATTER -- Francisco Liriano was supposed to be the next ace of the Twins, but has not been the same hurler since Tommy John surgery kept him out of the game in 2007. This season Liriano is a woeful 5-11 with a 5.39 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in 22 starts. Before going on the disabled list, Liriano was in danger of losing his spot in the rotation with his struggles. "¦ At the other end of the pitching spectrum, Rangers' right-hander Tommy Hunter continues to impress with a 6-2 record, 2.64 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 10 starts. "¦ Cubs' lefty Ted Lilly had a decent outing in his return from the DL, tossing six innings of shutout ball against the Padres on Monday with four hits, one walk and four strikeouts. Chicago hopes to soon also have ace Carlos Zambrano (back), but its real problem is in the bullpen, where Kevin Gregg blew his sixth save of the season in Lilly's return and has been removed as the closer. Look for Carlos Marmol and Angel Guzman to get save chances now. "¦ Heating up: A's second baseman Mark Ellis, who is hitting .431 with two homers and 19 RBIs this month. "¦ Time to cut bait: Rays' outfielder B.J. Upton is hitting .198 over the last 30 days with three RBIs and four stolen bases.